The Salvation Army Chattanooga Area Command celebrated the re-opening of The Blessing Place after a recent remodel.
Every Wednesday, volunteers open The Blessing Place, allowing the community's unsheltered neighbors to get necessities such as hygiene products, clothes, shoes, camping gear and food for free.
The Salvation Army recently returned the 614 Corps facility to its regular use as a drop-in day shelter after it had been used for overnight isolation during COVID. As part of the remodel, members of the Women's Auxiliary transformed the clothes closet into a boutique shopping experience. The improved space now supports groceries as inventory and has an expanded closet.
The Salvation Army is in urgent need of in-kind food and personal hygiene kit donations for the Blessing Place. Items needed include new and not expired: canned goods (meats, soups, fruits and vegetables), peanut butter and jelly, grains, individually wrapped snack items, waters and sports drinks, travel hygiene items, men's and women's socks and undergarments, men's and women's summer clothes and shoes, waterproof gear (tents, sleeping bags, flashlights and ponchos).
Donations can be dropped off Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 822 McCallie Ave.
Caroline Coppock